As artists, we sometimes feel like we need to create entirely from our imagination in order to prove that we're authentic. But working entirely from memory will eventually hold us back. If you think about how unreliable memory can be—think about the inaccuracies in eyewitness accounts—why do we insist on drawing everything without a reference?
Reference is not cheating—it's one of those simple tools that can make your art believable and convincing, even if it's highly stylized. Here's how to get the best out of them.
Reference is not cheating—it's one of those simple tools that can make your art believable and convincing, even if it's highly stylized. Here's how to get the best out of them.
Build Your Reference Library
Collect reference images to inspire and guide your work. It's not about copying one source, but creating a cohesive theme by being inspired by many. Mood boards are excellent for organizing your references and defining the vibe you want your artwork to convey.
Your sources can vary depending on your interests:
Fashion Illustration: Follow social media accounts of brands, magazines, and fashion influencers. Keep an eye on fashion weeks and street style photography for the latest trends and unique poses.
Interior Design: Explore Instagram pages showcasing the latest décor and design trends. Blogs and home makeover reels can also provide excellent spatial references.
Drawing for Fun: Pinterest is your go-to! From whimsical illustrations to creative ideas, it’s a treasure trove for hobby artists looking for inspiration.
Your sources can vary depending on your interests:
Fashion Illustration: Follow social media accounts of brands, magazines, and fashion influencers. Keep an eye on fashion weeks and street style photography for the latest trends and unique poses.
Interior Design: Explore Instagram pages showcasing the latest décor and design trends. Blogs and home makeover reels can also provide excellent spatial references.
Drawing for Fun: Pinterest is your go-to! From whimsical illustrations to creative ideas, it’s a treasure trove for hobby artists looking for inspiration.
For example, in the course Fashion Illustration: From Beginner to Professional, tutor Katerina Pashegor gives fantastic examples of using references to elevate your illustrations.
Use References Effectively
Steer clear of tracing—although it can give you accuracy, it doesn't build your skill. Learning to draw is like learning how to ride a bike: it takes time, but once learned, the skill will always be there with you. Try these methods instead:
Gesture Studies: Noting down the main proportions and overall feel of a pose or movement in well under a minute. This, even with live models or a photo, will help to achieve greater speed and precision while capturing likenesses.
Gesture Studies: Noting down the main proportions and overall feel of a pose or movement in well under a minute. This, even with live models or a photo, will help to achieve greater speed and precision while capturing likenesses.
Texture Practice: Texture is the often-forgotten ingredient that will take your work to great heights. Spend some time creating small balls or swatches of any texture—like wood or fabric or metal—to expand your visual vocabulary.
Want to push your skills further? Check out our online course, Interior Design Sketching, where you’ll learn how to create dynamic, visually striking designs. From mastering textures to understanding space and scale, this course offers the tools you need to transform your sketches into professional-level work.
Challenge Yourself Today
Now that you know how important the visual reference is, why not give one of these a try? Whether it's a quick gesture sketch or a study in textures, each step will bring you closer to your goal of mastering your craft.
